If there’s one thing which signals the fresh start of the New Year, it’s an invigorating walk outside with the family. It can blow away the cobwebs from the night before and helps you to hit reset after the indulgent festive season.
Luckily for us there are plenty of incredible walks you can do with the whole family in Greater Manchester. Whether you want to make a day of it, or fancy a brief wander in between festive films, there’s a walk that will suit you.
You may be tired from the late night before, but it’s definitely worth popping on your big coat and venturing outside for a refreshing stroll. If you want to start your New Year off by exploring somewhere different, read on for some of the amazing walks you’ll find right here in Greater Manchester.
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We can’t guarantee snowy scenes, but we can safely say there’s a walk for everyone, from picturesque parks to waterside strolls.
Rivington Terraced Gardens and Rivington Pike, Bolton
For a truly magical New Year’s Day walk, head to Rivington Terraced Gardens, which sit on the western side of Winter Hill. It’s a place where you’ll find hidden paths, impressive follies and beautiful lakes.
The gardens were the brainchild of Lord Leverhulme but fell into disrepair following his death in 1925, but today a conservation project is underway to restore them. You can easily spend several hours exploring these gardens and discovering their secrets, including the tranquil Japanese Garden and the impressive Pigeon Tower.
To extend your walk and for some breath-taking views of the surrounding area, head up to Rivington Pike. On a clear day you can even see as far as the Lake District and the Isle of Man.
Drinkwater Park, Bury
If you’re after a walk with a countryside feel but without having to travel for, then Drinkwater Park might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s managed by Forestry England and features a patchwork of native woodland and open meadows.
Various trails run throughout the park, taking you along riverside routes or through wooded areas. With more than 600 acres of land to explore it feels a world away from the suburbs nearby.
If you look closely you may also spot the remains of a building hidden in a clearing among the trees. It’s the remnants of Irwell House, originally used as a summer home by Peter Drinkwater, a prominent textile mill owner who had bought the surrounding land.
Fletcher Moss, Manchester
Tucked away off the main road in Didsbury, Fletcher Moss Park and Garden is one of the most beloved in Manchester. You can enter via the Botanical Garden, which has a beautiful range of trees and shrubs which line a network of higgedely-piggedly paths.
Look out for tiny waterfalls and a small pond, which looks especially pretty when it's icy. The garden gives way to Fletcher Moss Park, with grassy and wooded areas. For a long walk, head through the woodland which will take you to the River Mersey, and follow the riverside path.
Dovestone Reservoir, Oldham
Located on the edge of the Peak District, Dovestone Reservoir is the ultimate place to go for wintry scenes and an invigorating winter walk. It looks particularly stunning when the surrounding hills are dusted with snow.
You can follow a circular route around the reservoir, which takes just over two miles. There’s also the option of extending your walk by heading up to Dovestones Edge.
Healey Dell, Rochdale
Two miles outside of Rochdale town centre is a beautiful woodland walk which has pretty waterfalls, the remains of old mills and a magnificent viaduct. Healey Dell is a picturesque nature reserve which follows the River Spodden.
Along the river are tiny stone bridges and several waterfalls, which were once used to power wool and cotton mills. Adding to the industrial feel of the nature reserve is a huge viaduct which crosses the river.
Standing at 10ft tall, it’s made up of eight large arches and can be admired from below, or you can take a path up to the top for incredible views.
RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford
Head to RHS Garden Bridgewater for an inspiring walk through beautifully-designed gardens. The 154-acre site opened in 2021, so if you haven’t already had a chance to visit it then it’s worth checking it out.
Take a stroll through the different gardens, which include the Weston Walled Garden, the Chinese Streamside Garden and the Paradise Garden. RHS Bridgewater also features less formal areas, such as Middle Wood and Ellesmere Lake, perfect for a relaxed family walk.
Reddish Vale, Stockport
Nestled in the heart of Stockport, Reddish Vale Country Park surrounds the River Tame as it meanders through the borough. Covering nearly 400 acres of land, this park has plenty of walks to choose from.
Follow one of the paths which leads through the woodland areas, take a stroll along the river or wander over to the ponds. An impressive viaduct serves as a focal point in the park. The visitor centre and car park is a good starting point for several routes.
Werneth Low, Tameside
For a New Year’s Day walk with breath-taking views, head to Werneth Low. From the top you’ll be able to look out over Greater Manchester and Derbyshire. On a clear day you can even see as far as the Welsh hills.
You can follow a three mile circular route which starts at the Lower Higham visitor centre car park, which takes you up to the top of the hill, around the golf course, and past Radcliffe Fold Farm where it loops back round.
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Not strictly in Greater Manchester but only a stone's throw away over the border in Cheshire is Quarry Bank Mill, a restored cotton mill. It’s surrounded by beautiful grounds which are full of different walks you can enjoy.
There’s 400 acres of beautiful woodland and countryside to explore which surround the River Bollin. If you venture to the Southern woods you’ll come across a picturesque mill pond and the quarry, from which the site gets its name.
Mesnes Park, Wigan
A proper hidden gem in Wigan, Mesnes Park is full of Victorian grandeur and dates back to 1878. Although it’s a lot smaller than other green spaces on this list ( just 28 acres in size) this park offers you a tranquil walk to clear your head during the stresses of the festive season.
It features wide paths, huge grassy lawns and several Victorian features. There’s the majestic pavilion, which sits on a mound overlooking the park, and in front of it is the Colebrookdale Fountain.
To ensure you have good luck for the year ahead, rub the foot of the Sir Francis Sharpe Powell monument. Over the years it’s been worn away by so many visitors that the foot had to be re-bronzed at one point.
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